More than 717,000 Afghan migrants have been deported from Iran since 21 March, marking the start of the current solar Hijri calendar year, an Iranian official said this week, EDnews reports, citing Afghanistan International.

Nader Yarahmadi, head of the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants’ Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Interior, stated that the expulsions were carried out through three designated border crossings into Afghanistan. He said the total number of deportees had reached 717,658 and confirmed that the process is ongoing.

Yarahmadi stressed that all undocumented migrants are required to leave Iran. “We have negotiated with Taliban officials to address the issues facing undocumented migrants,” he said, adding that Iranian authorities have resolved challenges related to transportation, shelter, clean water, and the provision of hot meals for those being deported.

Despite these assurances, human rights organizations and local news have raised concerns that some deportations have included individuals with valid documentation. In several regions, migrants have reportedly been expelled without proper verification of their legal status.

Iran hosts one of the largest populations of Afghan refugees and migrants, many of whom fled conflict, economic hardship, or political repression following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.